Ailing Jayalalithaa's portfolios allocated to Panneerselvam

In Tamil Nadu, the portfolios held by ailing Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa have been allocated to Finance Minister O. Panneerselvam.

A communique from the Raj Bhavan said, the decision by Governor Vidyasagar Rao has been taken on the advice of Jayalalithaa who is undergoing treatment at Apollo hospital since the 22nd of last month.

The portfolios re-allocated include the Home and Public Departments and General Administration among others.

Paneerselvam, who holds the Administrative reforms portfolio, in addition to Finance, will also preside over the Cabinet meetings.

However, the statement clarifies that the arrangement will continue till Jayalalithaa resumes office and that she continues to be the Chief Minister.

DMK treasurer MK Stalin welcomed the decision to reallocate the Chief Minister's portfolios.

The 68-year old ruling AIADMK leader is undergoing treatment for what doctors said is infection and lung decongestion.

She is being kept under respiratory support. The treatment plan has been made by taking into account her long history of diabetes. The medical bulletins said, she requires continued medical supervision in the hospital.

The Governor's communique says Finance Minister Panneerselvam is empowered to chair state cabinet meetings also until the chief minister resumes her duties.

He is viewed as a trusted aide of Jayalalithaa and has also donned the role briefly as chief minister in September 2001 and September 2014, when Jayalalithaa had to step down from her position as chief minister due to court rulings.